Long-haul Flight Essentials!

I just got back from Europe last week.  The fact that I was extremely unprepared for the two long-haul flights taught me exactly what you need to make it to the other side, without getting sick or losing your mind.  Here are the essentials:

1. Backpack or Tote Bag.

This is very important.  Whatever bag you choose, it must fit below the seat in front of you.  This is where you store all of the important items you'll need easy access to during your flight.

I recommend Longchamp's Large Le Pliage Tote (Nordstrom.com, $145.00).  I love this bag.  I use it constantly.  It doesn't over-complicate things by adding pockets you don't need.  It's vinyl (which makes it weather-proof), it's designer, and it looks fabulous.

Rolling carry-on luggage is beyond overrated.  Why bother carefully packing a rolling bag just to stow it and not have access to it for 8-10 hours?  That's just silly.  By all means, use your rolling carry-on to pack items you'll need during your trip to avoid checking a bag, but don't rely on this for things you'll need in-flight.

2. Airborne.

Take this immunity-boosting concoction either before your flight or during, but do not forget to take it. It is well documented that airplanes are a breeding ground for germs.

3. Anti-Bacterial Wipes.

I read somewhere recently that it is safe for passengers to assume that the plane has not been cleaned or wiped down prior to boarding (with the exception of the bathroom). Once you get to your seat and before you start using that touch-screen monitor, wipe everything down.

4. Hand Sanitizer.

For the same reason as #3 - use often.  I love the selection at Bath & Body Works.  They're 5 for $5 USD or $1.75 each.

5. Kindle/E-Reader and Charger

I love my Kindle Paperwhite! Just remember to download some good books or magazines before boarding the plane.

6. Phone and Charger.

Your plane might actually have power outlets at each seat, so take this opportunity to charge your devices.

7. Headphones.

Noise cancelling headphones are best.  I have the Bose ear buds and I love them!

8. Eye Mask.

This is especially important when flying during the day and East to West. You're chasing the sun and everyone has their shade up while you want to sleep.

9.  Moisturizer and Lip Balm.

This is for when the recycled air just doesn't cut it for your skin.  I recommend Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist ($16).  For lip balm, my absolute favorite is La Natura's Shea Butter Lip Balm ($8). They are over-sized and come in lots of delicious flavors!

10. Mouthwash.

For when you won't be caught dead brushing your teeth in a public bathroom.

11. Tissues.

So simple, yet so easily overlooked.

12.  Makeup Removing Wipes.

I love, love, LOVE Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Towelettes. These work perfectly if you've fallen asleep on the plane and you wake up with makeup all over your face.  And guys, these work for you too!

Am I forgetting anything?  What are your favorite travel essentials? I'd love to hear about them!

Thou Shall Not Neglect Thy Hands

Yes, you read that correctly.  This, my friends, is the first of many anti-aging commandments and is not to be taken lightly!  It is very important that we remember to take care of our hands in the battle against aging.

I don't know about you, but I spend so much money on anti-aging skin care products for my face.  I know I'm not the only one - after all, "personal products" is a $5 billion industry.  Whether everything the beauty industry force-feeds us about preventing aging is true or not, I can't say.  One thing I am sure of is the basic principle of organic chemistry and the fact that we are all, in fact, aging.  Don't be alarmed!  There are things we can do to delay the process.

I've read in many places that the first part of our bodies to show signs of aging is our hands.  In my opinion, the beauty industry hasn't really cashed in on this concept yet, which is probably the reason so many of us neglect our hands when it comes to our beauty routine.

Knock it off!  This applies to the guys, too.

What I've started to do, and I suggest you do as well, is that every night when I go to apply anti-aging moisturizer to my face, I leave a little extra in my palm for my paws to enjoy and reap the benefits. There is no need to go out and buy anything specific for your hands - just use what's already in your medicine cabinet!

What's in my medicine cabinet, you ask?  Lately I'm crushing over Mario Badescu's Collagen Moisturizer ($24, MarioBadescu.com).  This stuff feels so good on my skin, it's relatively inexpensive, and it works great for all skin types.

Source: MarioBadescu.com

If you're not ready to make a commitment but you believe in the concept (which is irrefutable), try healthy hands hand & nail care lotion from CVS.  You have no excuse - it's $3 USD.

Source: CVS.com

Try this. Your hands will thank you!

Layering Essentials

Fall is all about layering - yummy vests, leggings, boots, tanks, tunics, and the list goes on.  This is my favorite time of year because the combinations are endless and there is no right or wrong when it comes to layering (or fashion as a whole for that matter).  It's the perfect opportunity to play in your closet and try new, unexpected combinations.

One of my favorite things to do is grab two or three pieces that I absolutely love, but have never worn together at once, and then put them together and find a way to make them work.  Any mixture of stripes, colors, patterns, or plaids can work as long as you find a common denominator - a necklace, a scarf, a sweater, an interesting pair of pants or leggings.  Sure, your brain might insist that you don't "match," but challenge yourself to wear it anyway.  I love pushing the envelope and making myself feel uncomfortable (temporarily) when it comes to putting outfits together - in between taking risks and challenging yourself to try new things is where you'll find your own unique style and confidence and that is what fashion is about.

If you're going to experiment with layering, a great place to start is the essentials - tanks, tees, and leggings.  I've owned many.  Here are my favorites:

Tanks

The clear winner here is SkinnyTees Basic Wide Strap Cami ($32, Amazon.com). They are also available in packs of two from QVC for $34, plus the cost of shipping. Check them out here.  Pricey, I know, but I promise they are life-changing.  They stretch for days without stretching out.  The best part? ONE SIZE FITS MOST!

Source: Amazon.com

Leggings

Lori Goldstein makes the best leggings I've ever owned.  There is nothing worse than wearing a pair of leggings and have them suddenly start rolling down your waist. You don't have to worry about that with Lori's Regular Knit Leggings ($45, QVC.com). They have an extra wide waist band and come in lots of rich colors.  Buy multiple pairs here.

PSA: Be sure to read the reviews to find the right size for you.  They typically run large and long.

Source: QVC.com

Long Sleeve Shirts

I love Old Navy's Perfect Tees! At $10.50 (OldNavy.com), you just can't beat the value.  They're a great length for layering, they're washer/dryer friendly (otherwise they wouldn't be in my closet), and they come in your basic black and white, plus plenty of fun colors.

Source: OldNavy.com

Some other things your going to need this season:

- Fun scarves (a great place to incorporate a delicious floral print)
- Tall or, better yet, over-the-knee boots
- Tunic tops
- Long sweaters and cardigans
- Tights
- A hat for every occasion (I love Goorin Bros.' Goldman Suede Fedora Hat)

Do you have a favorite "essential?" I'd love to hear about it - please leave a comment or send me a message using the link to the right.  Happy layering!

On Trend: Luxe Backpack

The new addition to my [handbag] family.

I'm heading to Europe in a few weeks, and of course I'm already visualizing what I'll be wearing as I romp through the streets of Florence, Venice, and Rome. One of the must-haves on my packing list has been a leather or suede backpack. I've been on the hunt for one over the last few weeks and today I found it!

Enter stage left: this delicious faux leather drawstring backpack, fringe and all, by Deux Lux (one of my favorite brands in handbags).  Be still my beating heart.

While the main reason I wanted a backpack was to be hands-free on my trip, this bag can easily and fashionably be carried like a tote. It's faux leather, so I don't have to worry about exposing it to the elements or dropping it in a puddle.  And that fringe!  I can't get enough fringe this season.

At retail, this beauty would have cost $130 USD, but I took it home for $32!  The clearance rack at Marshalls never lets me down. If you don't have the privilege of being a lunch break away from Marshalls and you're willing to spend the money, I also love Topshop's Fringe Suede Backpack ($130, Nordstrom.com).

Source: Nordstrom.com

Welcome back, pack!

On Trend: Slip-on Sneakers

Today's find: this gorgeous pair of Kenneth Cole Reaction slip-on sneakers. I've been crushing on this trend for weeks now, and couldn't resist when I saw the Salt N Pep Pony Hair Sport Flat for $40 USD at Marshalls across the street.

Source: DSW.com

I haven't owned a pair of true slip-on sneakers since elementary school. Needless to say, the return of this trend is uber exciting.  What's better is that they are refined - the pony hair turns the chic up a notch and I can feel confident wearing these to work or play.  I'm all about looking professional and being comfortable.  Comfortable. Professional. Check and check!

Since I couldn't wait, I'm wearing them with a tie dye maxi skirt, but these will be adorable with leggings and a tunic or my favorite pair of boyfriend jeans (if said pair of jeans existed).

You can pick these up online at DSW.com.  With so many cute pairs of these slip-on sneakers available, I bet you can't pick just one. You've been warned!

Wedding Makeup

My day with the genius that is Tracey Rappaport.

I had the privilege of following my friend, fellow makeup artist, and blog co-contributor Tracey around last week while she did the bridal party's makeup for my dear friend Heather's wedding.

Right away I was learning new things.  Nothing excites me more.  Here are some highlights and must-haves for your kit:

Foundation

Tracey started with Marie.  Marie doesn't need makeup.  Something about putting makeup on people like her makes the task more challenging and exciting; she has naturally strong, beautiful features that you don't want to overwhelm or distract from with spackle, but you do want to be able to deliver that fresh, finished look. The hardest thing to do in makeup is to create the illusion that you're not wearing any.  Take it from someone who has learned the hard way!

Marie!

I looked over at Marie and immediately noticed how dewy her skin looked.  As you know by now, I love a dewy finish!  Tracey introduced me to this phenomenal new foundation palette that is made specifically for HD cameras - Cinema Secrets 5-in-1 Pro Palette ($28, Amazon.com).  This was our best friend in front of the camera.

Source: Amazon.com

One of the bonuses about this palette is that it can multitask as a tool for contouring.  I watched Tracey use the darker shades to contour under our cheekbones with a foundation brush.  Brilliant!

Brows

Tracey blew me away next with the drugstore favorite Brow Fix by Milani ($10, Amazon.com).  I couldn't believe the texture and potency of this stuff  - I love when a little bit goes a long way. This palette is foolproof  - the purpose of each color is spelled out for you, literally.  You can even apply with the adorable little tools that come with it.

Source: Amazon.com

Blush

The best blush I've come across so far, especially for a wedding, goes to Lorac's Soul.  This is sold out on Lorac's website (which goes to show you how spectacular it is) and I can't find it on any other trustworthy sites online - if you find it, please leave a comment!  Anyway, Soul is a magical harmony of bronzer and blush.  It's so easy to misuse bronzer as blush and blush as bronzer. While I am a fan of finding new uses for things, this is generally not one of them. Miraculously, Soul makes it work.

Wallah! A perfect wedding look.  #nofilter

A very, very special thank you to Tracey for letting me annoy her all day for the purposes of this blog. Can't wait to do it again!

Another special thank you to Heather for letting me make a few minutes in her special day about me.

To book an appointment with Tracey, click here.
To check out Tracey's website, click here.

On Trend: Floral

I am loving the floral trend right now!  I've always been a fan of floral, but this season I'm seeing a lot of dark, edgy patterns and silhouettes that transition seamlessly from day to night.  Yesterday (on my daily lunch break trip to T.J. Maxx across the street), I gave in to the trend and picked up these beauties for a whopping $20 USD!  Talk about a #fabfind!

Bathroom selfie! 

How awesome are these pants?  They pull on, which means they are super comfortable - so much so that I could wear them to bed.  I don't know about you, but I can't get anything done at work if I'm uncomfortable, especially when I'm confined to my cube all day.  Oh, and they have pockets, which I can never get enough of - even my wedding dress had pockets!

The fabric has a black background juxtaposed against a beautiful, sort of romantic white rose pattern, which cranks the alpha of this risk-reward calculation up a notch in my opinion.  Most of the florals I've seen this season combine dark, rich, typical fall colors; while beautiful, I'm always looking for something unique. To everyone that says I can't wear white after Labor Day, I say, "Watch me!"  

Adventures in Portland, Oregon

We spent a couple of days this week in beautiful Portland, Oregon and the Hood River Valley. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and one of the best weekends of my life.

Whenever we travel to a new place, I spend so much time scouring the internet and sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp to try to plan out our days.  Unfortunately for me, I can do all the planning in the world and still completely strike out.  Luckily, we spent our days with two of our best friends who doubled as tour guides, Jim and Allie.  

Here is Portland in 500 words:

NW 23rd Street

We took the Trimet into Providence Park.  Walked a couple of blocks and ended up on NW 21st, which is basically the equivalent of Newbury St. in Boston.  There is a good proportion of shopping to bars, which was great for me and Jeremy because, when he got sick of shopping, we would pop into a bar and try one of the microbrews on tap (Oregon is all about the microbrew).   

Some highlights:

• Platform. Cute, unique and affordable little place (equipped with sofas for Jeremy).  I got a necklace that has been dubbed my "Portland necklace" for $20.00.
• McMenamins Rams Head. Jeremy and I shared a flight.  Jeremy described the decor as "country meets Alice in Wonderland" and I couldn't agree more.  
• Goorin Bros. Hat Shop. Such a cool store with an even cooler staff.  Jeremy and I both bought a hat and got a free shot of delicious rum! How's that for a marketing mix?
• Salt & Straw. Ice cream shop with unusual, but fresh and delicious flavors.  
• Huckleberry Pub. We shared a flight of their beers on tap and ordered a burger and their mac and cheese.  Amazing.

Forest Park

From NW 23rd you can walk through Forest Park (wear your walking shoes) to the Royal Rosarian Garden.  If you love roses like me, you'll have a field day here.  

Portland Japanese Garden

Keep walking and soon you'll be at the Portland Japanese Garden.  There is a $10 admission fee here, but it is well worth it.  When we saw "garden," we thought blossoms and color.  How naive of us. This garden is all about experiencing a sense of peace and tranquility on another level.  

Hood River Valley

If you're in the area and the weather permits, do not skip this.  We spent an entire day vineyard-hopping and each view was better than the last.  We hit Marchesi Vineyards, Wy'East Vineyards, and The Gorge White House (we saved the best for last).  Gorge White House knows exactly what they're doing: they have wine and hard cider tastings, a food cart, flower and berry picking, and sacred views of Mt. Hood and St. Helen's all in one place.  We were there in the late afternoon and had the privilege of watching the sun set.  Good food, good drink, good company - I'm not sure it gets much better.  Oh, wait a minute - it's dog friendly! Here's Grover (a.k.a. Grovie, a.k.a. G baby):

We topped off the day in Downtown Hood River, with a visit to Double Mountain.  We were informed beforehand that we would be having the best pizza we'll ever have in our lives, and they weren't lying.  We enjoyed their seasonal specialty pizza - the Heirloom tomato pizza - and the salami pie.  They also brew their own beer - try the Kolsch!

Night Life

• Stormbreaker. Yet another microbrewery with good food and a cool ambiance.  You eat at picnic tables here; sometimes with complete strangers and it's all good! 
• Prost! Cool pub. That's all you need to know!

I can't end this post without mentioning how stupidly happy we all were this weekend.  I don't think I ever stopped smiling, even when I was nursing a hangover (thanks to a great night at Prost! and drinking beer out of a boot).   Special thanks to Jim, Allie, and Grovie for their hospitality - can't wait to visit again soon!

Brows. Brows. Brows!

Your eyebrows.

If you were to only read one post in this blog, this would be the post.  That is how important your eyebrows are to your beauty regimen.  The brows are the only facial feature that equates to symmetry. Facial symmetry (or lack thereof) is what the human eye perceives as attractive (or not).  Once again, it's science.  Don't fight it - embrace it!

No one has two eyebrows that are shaped exactly the same.  One thing I was told that really drives the point home is that "your brows are sisters, not twins."   That is why God created eyebrow pencils and powders!

I must say that out of all of the products I have used, I keep coming back to Wet 'n Wild's Color Icon liner and brow pencil in taupe.

What's fabulous:

• Taupe is a universal shade.  Wahoo!  One less decision for you to make.
• The pencil gives you the control that a powder or mousse might not.
• The texture is divine.
• It's yours for a whopping $0.69.
• The pencil should last you three to six months (if it doesn't, you're doing it wrong). Which means you can get a year supply for the same price as a Dunkin' Donuts iced coffee.

What's not:

• Sadly, this pencil doesn't come with a brush to tame your brows.  For this price, you can buy 10 brushes and still be spending less than you would be for some other fancy brow pencils.
• Wet 'n Wild is a pain to find these days!  I can typically find it at Walgreen's.  If you're not as fortunate, you can always buy it online.

Technique:

The general rule when it comes to filling in your eyebrows is to use short, light-handed strokes to mimic the look of natural hairs.  This is where I come in as there are no rules when it comes to makeup.  I agree with the short stroke technique for beginners because it gives you a chance to get comfortable using a pencil and to get to know the shape of your brows.  Once you feel confident, I think it's perfectly fine to ditch those wimpy strokes!  Start at the inner edges above your nose and define the shape.  Trace the lower arch first - I like to drag this line out a little further than my natural brow while following the same curve.  Then trace the the upper arch and fill in between the lines as needed!

Symmetry equates to beauty.  Make it your mantra.  Now go get gorge!

Giving Thanks

This post is for my family and friends that have reached out to congratulate, encourage, and share the love of this blog with me.  Even though this is only the very beginning of my blogging journey, I feel the need to thank you and let you know that I owe any success of this blog to you.

Success?  What success?  The fact that this blog exists and that I have (sort of) overcome my fear of sharing my opinion with the world is success enough for me.  The fact that a few people like it and a couple hundred have clicked on it is an added bonus.

I need to thank my sisters Lauren, Kristen, and Nicole for being my biggest cheerleaders.  Thank you for making me feel as though I am an authority of some sort, even though I'm the baby and I don't have any authority whatsoever in our family hierarchy.  Thank you for faithfully sharing my posts and reminding me that you're proud of me and you believe in me.  It's easy to lose sight of those things even though they are the most important.

Thank you to my friends, old and new.  To those who knew that this blog is a real representation of who I am and to those who are pleasantly surprised that this side of me exists.  Your response has been overwhelming and motivating beyond belief.

And to my husband Jeremy, who has absolutely no interest whatsoever in the things I have been blogging about as of late, yet continues to read, share, and support this thing. You are my best friend (I'm not just saying that because you're my husband - there is no one I would rather watch movies, veg out, and giggle with) and I love you.

Maybe this is premature or maybe this is too late - I don't know, and I don't care.  My timing with these things has historically sucked.  What matters is that my gratitude and appreciation exist in time and space and this post will live in the infinity that we know and love as the Internet.

With that, lets get gorgeous!

Power Products Series. Part II.

Eye Shadow "Primer."

Ever notice when putting on eye shadow that the color that ends up on your eye looks nothing like the color on your palette? Me too.  The reason behind this is simple: the color of your skin is added to the color of the eye shadow.  It's science.  In my case, I have fair skin with pink undertones.  The skin around the eye is so thin and delicate that you can also see veins, so factor some blue and purple into this equation.  So, say I want to apply a beige eye shadow.  What color will I get?  Beige (shadow) + pink (skin undertone) + blue/purple (veins) = not beige.

The solution?  Some will tell you to buy a good primer.  I will tell you to buy a M.A.C. Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Soft Ochre ($21, maccosmetics.com).  This little pot of gold will act as your concealer, your primer, and your base shadow.

To prove my point, I've taken Urban Decay's "Foxy," which is a matte sort of vanilla color ($18, Sephora.com).    It's a gorgeous color in the container.  Out of the container and blended onto my bare skin, though - now that's a different story.  Mixing it with my skin tone takes away from the integrity of the color, which is a sin!  I owe it to my Urban Decay eye shadow to provide it with a platform to be the best it can be and do what it's supposed to do (make me look awake, not old).  I owe it some Soft Ochre.

Don't see the difference?  I'm limited here by the pixels in my iPhone camera.  Look closer or just take my word for it!

What's fabulous:

• Multipurpose concealer, primer, and color in one.
• This pot will last you a year.  I'm not kidding!
• Twenty-three shades to boot.
• So easy to apply - no tools needed!  Just use your finger.  If you want to get fancy, use a concealer brush.

What's not:

• Nothing, really.  I will use this opportunity, though, to disclose that this stuff dries fast and once it does, your look isn't going anywhere.  Make sure you have a plan for color before you apply; otherwise, have some makeup remover handy.

Technique: 

Apply all over the lid where you intend to apply color.  Try applying a shimmer like MAC's Naked Lunch ($16, maccosmetics.com) below the brow and watch that shimmer come to life!  

Stay hungry.  Stay foolish.  Stay beautiful.

Power Products Series. Part I.

BB Cream.

So you're looking for hard-working products that do what they say they're going to do? Perfect!  You've come to the right place because that is precisely what this series is all about.  Why should you spend hundreds of dollars finding products that work when I already have?

While the rest of the world has moved on to CC and DD creams, I'm still reveling over beauty balm.  Ever since it's inception circa 2011, I have been obsessed.  I love all things makeup - I love applying makeup, I love wearing makeup, I love playing with makeup.  One thing I don't love is the fact that I have zero time to spend getting ready in the morning before work and unfortunately this means I have mere minutes to spend painting my face.  That's where BB cream comes in.  It's fast, it's low-maintenance, and it's life-changing.

I have tried many BB creams, from the least expensive to the most luxurious.  For me, this is an investment category, meaning you get what you pay for and, therefore, you better pay up.    With that, I present to you: Dior Hydra Life BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($56, Sephora.com).  

Dior - I love you, I love you, I love you!  You changed my life.

What's fabulous:

• Full coverage.
• Fool-proof application.
• SPF 30.  I love it when SPF is built in - one less step for me!  
• Unmatched dewy finish.  Trust me - nothing makes you look more fresh and awake than a dewy finish.  Learn to manage it to avoid looking greasy.
• Lasts forever.  This one 1.7 fl oz bottle typically lasts me six months.  Lets do some math just for fun: 6 months * 30 days per month = 180 days. $56 per bottle / 180 days = about $0.30 a day to get gorgeous! Now that's a bargain!

What's not:

• I suppose I have to list price point, but come on - this is Dior.  Haute couture, not ready-to-wear.
• Only three shades available. Sigh.

Technique: 

You can use a brush to apply, but I don't.  Two squirts in the palm of your hand, rub together and apply. Yes, it's that easy!  Please, please, please do us all a favor and remember to blend onto your neck, decollete, and - here's a trick - your earlobes. Nobody needs to know that you're wearing makeup.

And there you go! You can thank me later.

Mauve Outta Here

I'll start this post by saying that I am a HUGE believer in a good lipstick.  To demonstrate this, I should gather all of the lipsticks that I've collected over the years out of my purse, our junk drawers, my train case, etc. and take a picture of them because it really is an accomplishment in itself.  Most of them cost me over $30.00 USD, which, if you think about it, is an insane amount of money to spend on a plastic tube filled with pigment.

I stumbled across this little guy at Walgreen's - Wet 'n Wild MegaLast Lip Color.  What's remarkable to me about these is the fact that, even though they are only $1.99, the packaging still makes them look luxurious (okay, maybe that's a stretch - my Chanel lipsticks are wrapped in luxury).  I grabbed one in "Mauve Outta Here," which was the shade that really jumped out at me.  It's bold enough to bring some color to my face, but it's still a mauve tone and neutral enough to wear to work.  This excites me because I love hardworking products that serve more than one purpose.

If there is a lesson to be learned here, it's that it really is true when people say you don't have to spend a lot of money for a fabulous product.  It's more about knowing where to find them and learning how to use them properly.  If color scares you, my advice would be to start small.  Try applying a bright lipstick and adding a layer of a neutral-colored lip gloss on top.  This way you get a pop of color, but the lip gloss acts as a pseudo-security blanket by diffusing the color.

Warning:  The first layer will be drying.  Add multiple for a more moisturizing feel.

Pick one up here.

Be beautiful.  Be dazzled. Be styled!

First Post!

Welcome to my blog!

This is me on my wedding day.  Photo credit to our incredible photographer Jenny Moloney.

This blog has been in the works for years.  I have always had an obsession with makeup and beauty products. In college, I had a "following" of sorts - friends and family who appreciated my beauty tips and techniques - which inspired my dream to document and share them with the world.  I am by no means an expert in this space, but after years of trying new products, I have come across quite a few that have changed my life.

I got married in October 2013 to the love of my life and have since moved into a new home in suburban Massachusetts.  The move inspired a new hobby of mine - DIY. We're on a budget and have quite a few usable pieces of furniture, most of which need a face lift.  I would love to use this platform to share my projects and progress, as well as any lessons I'm sure I will have to learn the hard way.

We have two rescue dogs who are a huge part of our lives and are essentially the reason we do most things that we do.  Am I crazy? Probably a little bit, but that's fine - they bring us so much joy and hopefully I can capture that somehow and share it with you as well.

A little bit about me: I graduated from college in 2008 with a Bachelors degree in financial services.  I just graduated from graduate school this May with a Masters degree in business administration.  I am a business analyst by day, managing software development projects for a shoe manufacturer.  By night I am a wife, homemaker, dog lover, uber nerd, entrepreneur, makeup aficionado, fashion addict and critic among other things.

I love the idea that life is not a journey, but rather a destination.  There is always room for improvement and that is one of the things that keeps me motivated in all aspects of life, whether it is physical and mental health, my job, relationships, my wardrobe, or something as simple as perfecting the art of painting the trim around my windows. Follow me and my family on this lifestyle journey of discovery, learning, and inspiration.

Life is beautiful, but it's better styled (catchy, right?).